Hobie Cat has been approached by a number of Hobie 18 owners and Hobie Dealers as to the ability of Hobie Cat to produce a number of replacement hull sets for Hobie 18s. This concept is to allow consumers to refurbish their older Hobie 18s by using these hulls and their existing major components. This concept has been discussed at length with consumers via the internet. A strong interest has been seen for a minimum run of hulls. Hobie Cat will not stock hulls for this purpose. This is a one time offer.

We have decided to go forward with the following offer depending on consumer response on the described fixed-timeline and minimum required 10 hull sets ordered, with deposits paid to Hobie Cat.

OFFER

Hulls: Hobie Cat to build sets of Hobie 18 hulls at a price of $6,950.00 USD

Hulls would be fitted with all standard attached hardware, tangs, tracks and aluminum one piece gudgeons. Current graphics as seen on a Hobie 16.

Serial Numbering: Serial numbers to match the replaced hulls. Serial numbers to be provided to Hobie Cat upon ordering the hull set.

Program Trigger: The minimum of 10 sets of hulls must be on order with Hobie Cat by January 15th 2010. If we do not receive the minimum of orders by that time, we will cancel the hull orders and return deposits to dealers.

Order: Must be received by Hobie Cat by January 15th 2010. All orders are through an authorized Hobie Cat Dealer.

Deposit: Orders must include a $2,000 non-refundable* deposit payable to Hobie Cat Company. (*refundable if the program does not move forward after January 15th deadline for minimum 10 sets ordered)

Shipping: Hull shipping from Hobie Cat is expected by late Spring 2010 (Late May, June). Parts and accessories can be shipped prior if requested.

If the buyer of the hulls does not mind receiving the spare parts along with the hulls(rudders, trampolines etc.) I imagine they can be thrown into the hull boxes as a new boat does and avoid in this way extra shipping charges ?

The hulls ship from a different warehouse area... and small boxes don't travel well with the larger pieces... they get misplaced / mis-delivered. We have a lot of history on that, so we just don't do it.

We are getting there guys! estimating between 7-8 sets on orders coming in by Friday's deadline, but not yet over the top. We need the orders by Friday to get this to work. Get your order in to a dealer asap!

I´m guessing we did not make it over the top on the 10 orders. I´m also guessing Hobie is deciding whether it is feasible to build fewer sets for those of us who kept the faith. Let´s give them some time.